FAQ’S

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Tres Dias?

It is a renewal and restoration for those who desire to follow Jesus.

Tres Dias is an inter-denominational 3-day weekend which aims to concentrate closely on the person of Jesus Christ and His teachings. Some may call it a retreat, but it does not have the solitude of a retreat. While Tres Dias explores basic Christian beliefs, it is best described as a spiritual encounter with Christ. The focus of the weekend is "God's unmerited love." The weekend is designed to show "agape" love that God pours out on us. This love is unconditional, unmerited, and for which the only true response can be love in return. The goal of Tres Dias is to empower Christians to become leaders within their families, their small groups, their churches, and their communities. Many who have attended a weekend have experienced a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Christ as they sense His love in a dynamic way.

"Tres Dias is three days, but lasts a lifetime."

What Does Tres Dias Teach?

Tres Dias does not “teach” doctrine. In fact, we try to stay away from doctrinal discussions/debates; choosing instead to stress the things that the Christian denominations have in common while respecting those things which are different. Instead, we focus on God’s unqualified love for each of us through grace; with the goal of coming away from the weekend with a refreshed and empowered relationship with God through Christ.

The Tres Dias weekend is an opportunity for Christians to encounter Jesus Christ, experience other Christians serving them in love, and receive new inspiration for living our life in Christ.

What Happens On a Tres Dias Weekend?

The Spanish words "Tres Dias" mean "Three Days." The weekend begins on Thursday night and ends Sunday afternoon. In three days, the basics of the Christian life are presented with practical reminders of how to apply them to life. The Tres Dias team leading the weekend is composed of former attendees of a Tres Dias or similar weekend like Cursillo or Walk to Emmaus, who have volunteered their time for months of preparation by working and praying together as a unit.The weekend is a combination of carefully prepared activities and teachings, all intended to lead to a deeper personal commitment to Christ and a renewed sense of his unconditional love.Each day is centered on lay and clergy talks followed by table-group discussions which make Christ's teachings come alive. There is time for introspection and hearing from God, time for sharing with others, singing, laughter, and opportunities for deep personal worship.

Tres Dias is not a revival meeting or group therapy. It's a "renewal" experience, not a conversion experience. It is designed for believers who desire something deeper, something more, and want to come away revived and re-focused.The main emphasis of Tres Dias is God's unqualified love for each of us through grace. To attend, you must be sponsored by a person who is committed to supporting and praying for your experience and has attended a Tres Dias or one of the Cursillo-type three-day weekends.All that is required of you is a sincere faith, openness, and a willing heart to receive whatever God has for you.

Is There A Cost?

Yes. The cost for the weekend is $125.00 per participant fee. The cost includes three nights’ lodging, meals, and all materials necessary for the weekend. Financial assistance may be available and should be requested when the participant's application is filed. Check with your Sponsor about this.

Where Are The Activities Located?

Altoona/Johnstown Tres Dias weekends are held at Camp Living Waters in Schellsburg PA Transportation to/from your weekend is to be arranged by your sponsor?

Who May Take Part?

Anyone, 21-years-old of age or older, who is seeking a closer relationship with Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Who Should Attend A Tres Dias Weekend?

Just as Christ meets you at your point of need, so Tres Dias is designed for those who desire to be strengthened in their faith and to be brought closer to Christ in their discipleship. Tres Dias is for Christians of all denominations. The weekend is not necessarily for new believers, but for those who understand God's grace. It is especially gratifying for those who are in leadership within the church.

There are separate weekends for men and women. If you are married, the husband (based on biblical principles) should attend first. Wives usually attend a week or two later. Someone who has previously attended a Tres Dias, or similar (ie. Walk to Emmaus or Cursillo), weekend must sponsor each attendee.

What Happens On The Weekend?

A series of talks are given by lay and clergy speakers covering a "short course in Christianity.” Candidates worship and study in the presence of the Holy Spirit to glorify God. Group discussions, sharing, jokes, laughter, singing, communion (if you wish to partake), and prayer time in both group and individual settings. Every weekend includes Spiritual Directors who are available for counseling and prayer as needed.

What Is Expected Of The Participants?

Our prayer is that you will bring a willingness to experience a weekend led by the Holy Spirit. Throughout the weekend, we hope that you will consciously reflect on your your spiritual walk with Christ. We want you to feel secure in the knowledge that you are accepted where you are and as you are, and to know that a specific response is not expected of you. We hope that you are curious enough, and thirsty enough, for spiritual exploration and nourishment, and to acknowledge a need to commit a weekend of your life totally to Christ. We want you to "Participate, not anticipate."

What Happens After The Weekend?

After the three-day experience, Tres Dias encourages people to share their witness, to glorify God, to serve through their church, and to come alongside each other in living out the Christian life in their own environments. In addition, we encourage people to join in reunion groups and Secuelas for continued accountability and nourishment in their Christian walks.

DURING THE WEEKEND YOU CAN EXPECT:

- Group discussions of topics that are of vital interest to the Body of Christ.

- Times of prayer, sharing and fellowship.

- Lots of music and singing

- Lots of fun!

- LOTS of food (This isn’t the weekend to plan a fast or begin a diet!)

- Most importantly, you can expect that God will meet you exactly where you are!!

What About Confidentiality?

I Was Told That Nothing That Occurs On A Weekend Can Be Shared After The Weekend Is Over.

That’s not true at all! Any activity that occurs on a weekend can be shared freely. All that we ask is that nothing of a PERSONAL NATURE that was shared on a weekend should leave the weekend.

– In many cases, the speakers will share some very personal and intimate aspects of their lives. They share their stories with the understanding that it won’t become gossip.-- By the same token, other participants many choose to share something personal, so we owe it to them – and to you – to honor the confidentiality of personal sharing.

How Do I Apply?

Every participant must have a sponsor who has attended a Tres Dias or similar weekend (ie. Walk to Emmaus or Cursillo). Your sponsor provides support before and after your weekend. If you feel it is God's will for you to attend, your sponsor will take care of getting you the application and submitting all necessary paperwork. Each weekend serves approximately 18 "candidates" or participants.

How Can I Find A Sponsor If I Don’t Know Anyone Who Has Been Through Tres Dias?

If you do not know of anyone in your church or immediate area who has attended, you are encouraged to contact the Leader of your local community. All of the communities have web sites that provide contact information and they will help you with this.

Are You a Cult?

This is a very important question to ask. It is essential that you be comfortable about with whom you’ll be spending a 3-day weekend

If we can step back in history, the early Tres Dias participants felt that the weekends were such a blessing that they didn’t want to spoil what, to some of them, were very special parts of the weekend.

As a result, people began referring to “secrets” within the weekend that were not to be discussed with potential participants – again, for fear of ruining some of the weekend. Over time, and particularly with the advent of the Internet, stories of secrecy began to spread, resulting in rumors that Tres Dias must be a cult, since secrecy is one of the hallmarks of a cult.

Much effort has been made to be completely open. In addition, we know that team members who have participated in multiple weekends are just as blessed by the weekend activities as those who are participating for the first time. While some individuals continue to mistakenly perpetuate the idea of secrets, there are no secrets in Tres Dias.

In the interest of full disclosure, “The Essentials of Tres Dias” has been posted, for at least a couple of decades, on the Internet for anyone to see and review.“The Essentials of Tres Dias” is the document that every Tres Dias community must adhere to in order to continue in Tres Dias. As you review the Essentials, you’ll note that each of the talks, the required meditations, the dynamics, etc. are all listed for anyone to see. There are no secrets in Tres Dias.

In addition to the Essentials, communities are free to add some additional activities that are simply designed to enhance the weekend and make it special.